World Refugee Day 2003: India

June 20 saw a book launch, "Refugees and the State: Practices of Asylum and Care in India: 1947-2000", at the India International Centre by a former foreign secretary. With contributors from academics to refugee specialists, the book examines India's role in dealing with the challenge of refugees through different points in history.

The launch was followed by a panel discussion on different aspects of refugee protection. The event was attended by scholars, policy makers and former bureaucrats, among others.

Cultural shows were held in refugee communities and involved the local population as well as refugees from Afghanistan, Myanmar and Somalia. There were songs, dances, food, quiz shows and short plays.

Students of the National Law School Bangalore organised a cultural show and brought gifts for children at a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee school near Bangalore.